Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Understanding the
characteristics of addiction is the first step in knowing whether you or
someone you love are struggling with drug or alcohol dependency. Studies show
that many addicts often attempt to conceal their use from family, friends and
medical professionals. In this entry, we will discuss some of the more common
things to watch for when you suspect a problem.

Internal

The internal characteristics of addiction include regular
cravings, difficulty or inability to stop use, ensuring easy access to the
drug, and a feeling that the substance will help you sort out life’s problems.
These characteristics are generally similar, regardless of the substance in
question.

External

Though each substance
brings about it’s own specific set of symptoms, a number of external
characteristics are shared, regardless of the drug type. Friends and family
members will often notice psychological, physical and behavioral changes:

Behavioral – Sudden need for money, chances in friends or
interests, decrease in work performance, secretive behaviors, and an increase
in dangerous activity, such as traffic accidents or legal issues.

Teens

Understanding the difference between typically teenage
behaviors and addiction characteristics can be difficult. Common abuse symptoms
in teens include lower grades, an increase in disciplinary action at school,
ditching class and missing money. Sudden changes in appearance, behavior and
health issues can also signal potential substance abuse issues.

Physician’s Office

It’s not uncommon for addicts to visit multiple physicians’
offices to obtain prescriptions for their chosen substance to avoid detection.
Characteristics in the doctor’s office can include assertive and aggressive
personality, agitated waiting room behavior and a somewhat unusual appearance.
When speaking with physicians, addicts will make specific requests for
particular drugs, exhibit an extensive knowledge of substances, and offer up
exaggerated or vague responses to questions concerning their medical history
and symptoms.

Need Help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, our Above
It All treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let
our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy,
happy lifestyle you deserve.

When it comes to substance
abuse, it can be difficult to place blame on any one factor. However, some
factors are often repeated so regularly they form patters of behavioral,
emotional and biological reasons for the abuse. In this entry, we will discuss
some of the more common reasons people fall into the grips of substance abuse.

Curiosity

Humans are curious creatures by
nature. As such, it’s no wonder that many people often base their initial use
on curiosity. Once the user discovers the euphoric effects of the substance,
the abuse cycle takes hold – typically in young adults and teenagers.

Low Self Esteem

A great number of people begin
dabbling with drugs early in life in an attempt to fit in with peers. Those who
lack a social confidence in themselves are often more prone to drug use as a
means of gaining acceptance.

Tolerance

Drug tolerance is developed once
a user requires an excess amount of the same substance in order to achieve the
same level of intoxication reached previously with less of the same drug. As a
result, the user may begin using larger amounts of the substance, and using
more frequently, in an attempt to enjoy the satisfaction level experienced
previously.

A Change In Motive

Some addicts start out using
prescription medications to address pain, gradually becoming emotionally and
physically dependent over time. These types of addicts are typically law
abiding, hard working citizens who grew into their addictions accidentally.

Hereditary

The term “Family Disease” is
often used when discussing addiction causes due to the available evidence
suggesting that hereditary factors play a role in which people will become
addicts and alcoholics, and which will remain social drinkers or recreational
users. Studies show a strong tendency for the offspring of addicts, or
alcoholics, to also become addicted to alcohol and drugs.

Need Help?

If you or a loved one
are experiencing difficulty with a substance abuse problem, our California drug
rehabilitation facility is available to help. Give us a call today, and let
our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy,
happy lifestyle you deserve.